Summer has arrived and, even though the calendar still points at there being a handful of days to its true beginning, with it sees the return of many unmissable events, joyously unique and distinctive festivals that further enliven Le Marche during the summer months, from north to south.
Art festivals of all types, together with historical and traditional culinary celebrations, take place from June to September, with a wealth of specific events. Let’s have a closer look at some of them.
Music: From Jazz in Ancona to Classical Music in Pesaro
Festivals of international renown are organised in Le Marche, showcasing top performers in a variety of musical genres.
From the 1st to the 18th of July you can enjoy performances by some of the greatest musicians on the international jazz scene, thanks to events organised for the Ancona Jazz Summer Festival, this year celebrating its 48th edition.
The city of Pesaro is hosting the 42nd edition of the Rossini Opera Festival, scheduled from July the 19th to August the 22nd. Come and enjoy over a month of events in the birthplace of the famous composer Gioacchino Rossini, with operas taking place in two sublimely evocative locations: The Rossini Theatre, steeped in history, and the more modern Adriatic Arena, inaugurated in 1996 with a spellbinding concert by Luciano Pavarotti.
Poetry and Theatre
In our region art and literature are everywhere: every street, every corner, every nook has a story to tell that is inevitably bound up with the artistic essence of both the past and the present.
Among the festivals dedicated to poetry, La Punta della Lingua is certainly a highlight, an international festival of poetry in all its forms, from July the 1st to the 12th. It’s a roaming event, which moves between Macerata, Recanati and Ancona with over 60 poets performing in 35 events.
If theatrical performance is your preferred art form, the new edition of the International Theatre Festival for Young People in Porto Sant’Elpidio from the 11th to the 17th of July is an absolute must for the younger generation. It’s one of the most highly rated events in the world for this type of performance: each year it hosts numerous international theatre companies, with the jury consisting exclusively of 150 children who, at the end of each show, vote for their favourite performance. It’s special fun-format for kids, with a raft of events catering for all tastes: shows, exhibitions, workshops, games, shadow play and puppetry.
Buon cibo: Fra olive all’ascolana e pesce dell’Adriatico
Ascoli Piceno is the home of the Ascolana Olive: a unique product, emblematic of Marche cuisine. From ancient origins – it is said that it was particularly appreciated by Petronius! – they are still made following the guidelines from the original recipe: stuffing the brined olives with a meat mixture, rolling in breadcrumbs and then deep-frying. No surprise then that Ascolana Olives are the highlight of The Ascoliva Festival, in its 9th edition: conferences, meetings and tastings so you can really get to know this traditional delight, whilst also tasting other local delicacies (August the 14th to the 23rd in Ascoli Piceno).
In September it’s time for Brodetto – the quintessential fish soup from Fano – with the Brodettofest (currently celebrating its 19th edition), at the Lido di Fano (PU). From the 10th to the 12th of September you can sample brodetto, both in the area’s restaurants thanks to Fuoribrodetto, and then participate in the Palabrodetto (voting for your favourite version). Thanks to the Brodetto&Kids event, children don’t miss out either: entertainment, games and insights into the Adriatic’s seafood, to encourage even the youngest gourmet to appreciate these healthy local culinary traditions.
Other Festivals Well Worth Visiting
There really are just so many events, it’s impossible to detail all of them! Among the most renowned for some time now is the Passaggi Festival della Saggistica, scheduled this year from the 18th to the 25th of June, with a host of events dedicated to books, literature, poetry, graphic novels and more. From art exhibitions to workshops for children, to scientific experiments and experiences: the city of Fano, from the main square to the sea-front promenade is transformed for the occasion.
Be sure not to miss the Summer Jamboree in Senigallia: it’s a marvellous international festival dedicated to the 1940s and 50s with music, shows, events, markets and much more. After last year’s absence, it makes a welcome return from the 30th of July to the 8th of August.
Le Marche is preparing for a fabulous season filled with music, entertainment, shows, events, and workshops, artistic and culinary exhibitions: it’ll be a summer full of fun and new experiences!
